Sid Gittens: 'I can only look back on it as a wonderful time in my life.'
Title
Sid Gittens: 'I can only look back on it as a wonderful time in my life.'
Subject
Sid Gittens
Description
Hamstreet born and bred, Sid Gittens has been a stalwart of football in the village, not to mention a pillar of the community. We spoke to Sid about his active childhood in Hamstreet, his experiences playing cricket and table tennis, and his long footballing career. Sid also reflects upon the friendships he's made through sport, as well as the social stratification and inequality evident in local sport during the post-war years. Listen out for a guest appearance by Sid's wife, Linda Gittens, who comments on the social side of village sport.
Creator
Michael Romyn
Contributor
Sid Gittens; Michael Romyn; Oliver Parkin
Collection Items
Sid Gittens Oral History Transcript
Transcription of an oral history recording of interviewee Sid Gittens
Jim Gittens, Warehorne Football
Jim Gittens, father of Sid Gittens, playing football for Warehorne in Malthouse Lane, c.1950
Sid Gittens on Sports Day
Sid Gittens, aged ten, receiving the Sports Shield during sports day at Orlestone County Primary School, Hamstreet, in 1954
Table Tennis at the Dukes Head, Hamstreet
Table tennis at the Dukes Head, Hamstreet, c.1958. Sid Gittens (pictured) played here regularly with his friend Bill Day (see Bill Day collection), whose father was the pub's landlord.
Winning the Ashford and District League Junior Cup Final
Sid Gittens recounts winning the Ashford and Distirct League Junior Cup Final at Essella Park, Ashford, in 1961, while playing for Ruckinge (beating Brabourne and Smeeth 2-1). Sid also describes Appledore's infamous loss, and what playing for the…
The excitement of an away game: 'It was an escapade'
An excerpt from a recording of an oral history interview with Sid Gittens. Sid describes the excitement of an away game, watching FA Cup football in London, and visiting Wembley with his father.
Hamstreet Football Club (Reserves), 1976
Hamstreet FC Reserves, winners of the 1976 Ashford and District League Division 3 Cup Final. Hamstreet beat Bromley Green 2-1 at Essella Park, Ashford. Sid Gittens (Man of the Match) is on the back row, far left.
Sid Gittens: 'I can only look back on it as a wonderful time in my life'
A portrait of Sid Gittens at his home in Hamstreet, Kent, by Oliver Parkin